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The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing
Compelling to the last page, The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing is a story about the power of suppressed memory, of friendship, and of our relationship with the natural world. Set within vivid images of a backwater in an unnamed African country, the novel is both poignant and funny.
Mozzy is a cook in a struggling safari business and dreams of escaping the perilous wilderness and his despised employer to become head chef in an upmarket restaurant in London. Spurred on by his wife, a member of a visionary religious sect, his fantasy becomes reality. But will his sanity and marriage survive in this new world? Can a small bird help him find his way?
Mozzy’s path takes him from Africa to London and back, but it is the painful journey of the heart that ultimately fulfils Mozzy’s destiny.
Mozzy is a cook in a struggling safari business and dreams of escaping the perilous wilderness and his despised employer to become head chef in an upmarket restaurant in London. Spurred on by his wife, a member of a visionary religious sect, his fantasy becomes reality. But will his sanity and marriage survive in this new world? Can a small bird help him find his way?
Mozzy’s path takes him from Africa to London and back, but it is the painful journey of the heart that ultimately fulfils Mozzy’s destiny.
- GenresFiction
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Andrew J.H. Sharp
3 books5 followersAndrew Sharp's first novel, The Ghosts of Eden, won the 2010 Waverton Good Read Award and was shortlisted for the 2011 International Rubery Book Award.
Andrew was brought up in East Africa and has worked in Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is based in the East Midlands in the UK where he combines his medical work with writing.
"There are not enough novels set in sub-Saharan Africa, yet so many stories to tell."
Andrew was brought up in East Africa and has worked in Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. He is based in the East Midlands in the UK where he combines his medical work with writing.
"There are not enough novels set in sub-Saharan Africa, yet so many stories to tell."
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 29, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. I especially loved the African setting. It took me a little to warm up to the writing style, but I was soon enchanted by Mozzy's voice. A poinient, humorous and sweet story about one mans determination to achieve his dreams. Two thumbs up.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I enjoyed this one quite a lot. I especially loved the African setting. It took me a little to warm up to the writing style, but I was soon enchanted by Mozzy's voice. A poinient, humorous and sweet story about one mans determination to achieve his dreams. Two thumbs up.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
March 16, 2023
Splendid read with a hero who is dignified with large dreams. with ideals and ethics which despite misfortune and hardship he will not part from. He is amusing, gentle, wise and a delight to read. He meets equally well drawn characters on his journey to become a head chef.
His recipes sound delicious as well:)
His recipes sound delicious as well:)
October 12, 2021
Wonderful storyline and read
September 28, 2023
An African adventure with a twist. I enjoyed this book very much. The main character Mozzy Mlantushi with his dreams of escaping a safari kitchen and his useless boss to become a head chef in London struck a chord with me. I have worked in 8 different African countries and the authentic setting of the book make me smile in recognition. The plot did meander a little which did not detract much from the book. I felt it had much in common with the books of Alexander McCall Smith and his heroine, Precious Ramotswe. A nice read.
September 17, 2021
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The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp tells the story of Chef Mozzy Mlantushi, working on a safari tour, who dreams of becoming a chef especially in a European or American restaurant. Mr. Sharp was brought up, and worked in Africa, currently living in the UK.
Mozzy Mlantushi takes tremendous pride in his job as a Chef for a small safari company. He sees an opportunity when a daughter of a famous English restauranteur comes for a tour.
The VIPs, however, are interested in a rare bird. Chef Mozzy believes that this is his big break to be recognized.
From some reason, I have a weak point for stories taking place in Africa. However, I’ve only been to the top northern part of the continent, not even the part we think about when we hear “Africa”.
The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp has several aspect which usually capture my interest right off the bat. As mentioned, takes place in Africa, along with a culinary theme which is always interesting.
The characters are unique and intriguing, the story a cliché – but it works. The narrative is sweet and humorous with a very likeable protagonist. Chef Mozzy Mlantushi is, to put it mildly, a good man trying to do his best, and furthermore, follow his dream.
I especially enjoyed Chef Mozzy’s character. An honest man who is a better person than those who virtue signal their “goodness”. The code he lives by is something that we should all aspire to, as difficult as it is, difficult for him as well.
The unique perspective was enough to keep me reading. The narrative, for instance, is a pleasure to read through, the African voice was in my head from the start.
The story does have other characters besides Chef Mozzy. He has a boss that doesn’t appreciate him, a wife who spends all their money to give to their church, and of course, the VIPs who he comes across.
All in all, this was just a lovely, quick book to read. A heart-warming story, as well as lush descriptions of nature and meals.
The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp tells the story of Chef Mozzy Mlantushi, working on a safari tour, who dreams of becoming a chef especially in a European or American restaurant. Mr. Sharp was brought up, and worked in Africa, currently living in the UK.
Mozzy Mlantushi takes tremendous pride in his job as a Chef for a small safari company. He sees an opportunity when a daughter of a famous English restauranteur comes for a tour.
The VIPs, however, are interested in a rare bird. Chef Mozzy believes that this is his big break to be recognized.
From some reason, I have a weak point for stories taking place in Africa. However, I’ve only been to the top northern part of the continent, not even the part we think about when we hear “Africa”.
The Chef, the Bird and the Blessing by Andrew J.H. Sharp has several aspect which usually capture my interest right off the bat. As mentioned, takes place in Africa, along with a culinary theme which is always interesting.
The characters are unique and intriguing, the story a cliché – but it works. The narrative is sweet and humorous with a very likeable protagonist. Chef Mozzy Mlantushi is, to put it mildly, a good man trying to do his best, and furthermore, follow his dream.
I especially enjoyed Chef Mozzy’s character. An honest man who is a better person than those who virtue signal their “goodness”. The code he lives by is something that we should all aspire to, as difficult as it is, difficult for him as well.
The unique perspective was enough to keep me reading. The narrative, for instance, is a pleasure to read through, the African voice was in my head from the start.
The story does have other characters besides Chef Mozzy. He has a boss that doesn’t appreciate him, a wife who spends all their money to give to their church, and of course, the VIPs who he comes across.
All in all, this was just a lovely, quick book to read. A heart-warming story, as well as lush descriptions of nature and meals.
July 27, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much.
I loved the setting, the writing and that it surely implies to all people who dare to dream. The story is unique but cliché at the same time. It is sweet, humorous and a little heartbreaking.
What I liked most was it's vivid narration and how the main character thinks about his every move, tries to see the bigger picture. I rarely highlight something, but in this story, there are a lot of sayings and quotes to remember.
I was (pleasantly) surprised that it acknowledges some themes that are too common in our world, but not talked about enough.
I loved the setting, the writing and that it surely implies to all people who dare to dream. The story is unique but cliché at the same time. It is sweet, humorous and a little heartbreaking.
What I liked most was it's vivid narration and how the main character thinks about his every move, tries to see the bigger picture. I rarely highlight something, but in this story, there are a lot of sayings and quotes to remember.
I was (pleasantly) surprised that it acknowledges some themes that are too common in our world, but not talked about enough.
December 11, 2021
Andrew Sharp writes well about Africa and in this novel, has used all the senses to evoke an evocative landscape. Chef Mozzy Mlantushi is a delight; innocent and trusting while determined to achieve a dream which blinds him to the importance of the relationships around him. This is a well-researched book and the reader learns much about the world of safaris, hotel and restaurant kitchens, recipes and the mythical bird. The novel's conclusion is warm and full of heart.
December 24, 2021
An utterly compelling read. Chef Mlantushi is a captivating narrator. He made me cry. He made me laugh. Sometimes both with the same sentence. The author writes of Africa with a lightness of touch in the same way as Alexander McCall Smith does.
The storytelling is poignant. I have a real affection for all the characters and genuine empathy. The hunt for the brackish akalat was highly evocative. This novel is thought-provoking and soul-searching and absolutely irresistible.
The storytelling is poignant. I have a real affection for all the characters and genuine empathy. The hunt for the brackish akalat was highly evocative. This novel is thought-provoking and soul-searching and absolutely irresistible.
August 12, 2021
A chef at a decrepit birdwatching outfit dreams of running a restaurant in a glamourous city. This novel is a funny and sometimes heartbreaking story of friendship and guilt and healing.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews